Scientists have uncovered a surprising downside to teenage popularity, particularly among high school girls.
Adequate sleep is crucial for both mental and physical health, especially during adolescence. Despite recommendations for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night for teenagers, national surveys reveal that a significant majority of high schoolers are sleep-deprived.
Researchers attribute this sleep deficit to a combination of factors, including shifts in circadian rhythms, early school start times, academic pressures, extracurricular activities, and screen time. However, a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Sleep sheds light on a previously unrecognized factor: popularity.
The study, led by Serena Bauducco of Örebro University in Sweden, surveyed over 1,300 Swedish teenagers aged 14 to 18. Those identified as the "most popular" reported shorter sleep durations, with popular girls, in particular, experiencing more insomnia symptoms.
Interestingly, these sleep disparities were observed irrespective of smartphone use, indicating that popularity's impact on sleep predates the advent of smartphones.
When examining gender differences, popular girls exhibited greater difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing early awakenings compared to their less popular peers. Popular boys, on the other hand, did not display significant sleep disturbances.
While the exact reasons for these gender disparities remain unclear, researchers speculate that differences in social dynamics and relational concerns among girls and boys may contribute to sleep disturbances.
These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep needs in adolescents, regardless of their social status. Teenagers, already the most sleep-deprived demographic, stand to benefit greatly from even small increases in sleep duration, leading to improved mental health and academic performance.
As teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence, ensuring adequate sleep is essential for their overall well-being. While popularity may come with its perks, it also appears to carry a sleep-related cost, particularly for girls. By recognizing and addressing these sleep disparities, we can better support the health and development of all teenagers.
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Short description: Teenagers and sleep: Popularity might come at a cost. New study reveals popular teens, especially girls, sacrifice sleep for social lives, highlighting the need for better sleep support for adolescents.
Source: Sleepreviewmag
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